Help please
 

I posted a thread here a while ago about my dad taking up oils. Well, he's working on a piece right now that combines oils and live objects. He wants some input on the proportion of the whole thing. I can't tell myself, but I'm sure some of you professionals or hobbyists will be able to help. Please post any suggestions.

http://img166.echo.cx/img166/3229/dads2qh.jpg

Either a larger lighthouse or a smaller ship would be needed, I think. Perhaps even a bit of both!

The gull is excellent, and the idea is awesome!

The horizon line is always eye level, so the brick lines going around the lighthouse should be painted as if you were looking slightly done at it. The proportions of the ship are really close, try using simple one point perspective on it and I think you'll find that it's just barely off. One last thing would be add some oranges, yellows and reds into the rest of the composition, a sunset that was that strong would cast a tint on everything else.

It's good work and a fun idea. I know an artist that mixes sand in her paint for a similar effect. It makes things much more interesting.

I think the piece of land the lighthouse is on needs to be longer with more depth. And maybe a little bit more interest added to the rocks on the left hand side. He's got some great techniques and ideas going on. I love the colour of the water and the way the water "splashes" over the sides of the rocks. The detail on the bird is great as are his reflections in the water. Keep encouraging him!